This book is a short, concise Bible study, unpacking what it means to be a disciple in light of John's Gospel. The language is accessible, and the presentation and sequencing of ideas clear and logical. The ideas in this book are not new to Catholic teaching but put forth in a fresh way, in the framework of believing, encountering and remaining and bearing fruit. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Loyola Press, for making this book available to me to review. All opinions are my own.

This book explores what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Who better to study for discipleship than John? Through plain language and insightful analysis, the book highlights the significance of remaining in close relationship with Jesus, emphasizing the transformative power of authentic devotion in one's spiritual journey.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy to read and review.

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? This is the question that Father Brice will answer. He focuses on the Gospel of John because the word disciple is said by Jesus most often in this gospel. The word disciple is used seventy eight times.

The two key words for discipleship is believe and remain. A true disciple of Jesus believes and remains faithful. Father Brice presents real stories of real people who met Jesus and became his disciple in the Gospel of John. Father Brice hopes that reading about these people’s experiences will bring us closer to Jesus and make us His disciples.

Father Brice explains the four steps in our pilgrimage towards becoming and living as a disciple. In step one we begin to believe because of someone’s witness. Someone has told us of Jesus and how their personal experience has changed their life for the better.

In step two we have a personal encounter with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. We encounter Him through prayer, scripture, and the Holy Eucharist. In step three we remain with Jesus even during difficult times. In step four we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to share our faith.

Father Brice is inspirational. He gives us good advice to help us on our journey to becoming a disciple of Jesus. Father Brice is a true disciple of Jesus. He shares his personal experiences. He uses verses from the Gospel of John to inspire us on our personal pilgrimage with Jesus and a deeper faith. Father Brice helps us have a lasting personal relationship with Jesus even during times of trouble.

This study can be done alone or in a group. There are questions at the end of each section for reflection. Father Brice has written a wonderful book that will help anyone on their personal journey to be closer to God. This is a must read for any Catholic or Christian to bring you closer to God. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

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I loved this book, and recommend it to anyone who would like to learn more about being a disciple, or anyone who would love a deep dive into the gospel of John. The book is aimed at people who would like to do a small group study on this topic, but can be read by individuals as well.
The author has clearly done a lot of research on this topic, but his writing style is very accessible. It never feels like I’m reading a thesis, but instead it feels like attending an excellent, inspirational homily, or like having a good personal conversation with a knowledgeable priest. The chapters are clear, to the point and full of practical advice and wonderful inspiration. The language is friendly and engaging.
There was only one small part that I didn’t like, which was the Liar, Lunatic, Lord paragraph. This has been called a “false trilemma” and I feel that way about it. Non believers will not find faith through it (but would not pick up this book in the first place, I think); believers don’t need it, in my humble opinion. The later chapters on the vine & fruit or on the Samaritan woman, or on the blind man, were much more of an indication on why one should or should not believe - and they are from the gospel itself, directly from the witnesses.
But that was a small thing. I LOVED how woman-friendly this book is. Usually, reading a Catholic book, written by a priest, I prepare to be left out of the conversation, or to be an afterthought at best, but father Brice used a generic “she” for all his references to the reader. It’s a small thing, but I felt so included in the call to discipleship. Particularly also when he delved deeply into the story of St. Photina, and her discipleship. I had never heard of her mentioned by name before.
I also loved how the study of the gospel of John, so famous for its emphasis on The Word, started with etymology of the words disciple, believe and remain, and I loved how useful and insightful this was for the actual study itself.
I loved the many illuminating quotes from other scholars, most notable from beloved St. Pope John Paul II.
In the introduction father Brice wrote: “it is my privilege to share what I have learnt about discipleship with you”, and that felt true throughout the book. His joy in sharing this with us, his personal discipleship journey, and his practical love for us (the readers) were sparkling from every word in this book. That alone was worth the reading. It is true that one can know the vine through its fruit bearing branches.

Good book to use for personal or group study of remaining with Jesus and uses Gospel of John as a reference from the bible. After each chapter uses you the option to further discussion on the what you have learnt, and how reading the book might change your relationship of remaining with Jesus.